Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United | Match Report

Two points dropped in another frustrating game as Manchester United are held to another goalless draw.

As many expected, following Manchester United’s defeat in the Capital One cup, Crystal Palace were up for this match.

Palace began with pure intent, using their pace to get in behind the United defence.

During the opening 20 minutes the hosts had control of the game and were able to create some chances.

The first came in the very first minute when a mix-up between Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian allowed the ball to drop to Dwight Gayle. Gayle managed a shot but it was not good enough to beat David de Gea in the United goal.

On 10 minutes Palace had two quick chances. Yohan Cabaye chested the ball down on the edge of the box into the path of Yanick Bolasie. Bolasie rifled a shot toward goal from an angle but David de Gea reacted quickly to tip it onto the bar.

Seconds later, from a Yahan Cabaye corner, Scott Dann headed hard calling David de Gea into action once again. The Manchester United keeper turned Dann’s header over the bar.

After 20 minutes of keeping Crystal Palace at bay, United began to take control, enjoying some possession. It was during this period that the visitors managed their first and only shot on target in the first half. It was Wayne Rooney with a curling free kick in the 25th minute, but it was not enough to trouble Hennessey in the Palace goal.

Rooney came close again on the 32nd minute, but Anthony Martial’s pass was slightly over hit, allowing Hennessey to beat Rooney to ball.

Both teams then had a chance to take the lead in the final minutes of the first half. Yohan Cabaye played a ball forward with Dwight Gayle getting on the end of it and having a go at goal. However, similar to his first attempt it was not powerful enough to beat David de Gea.

Just before the whistle, Anthony Martial crossed the ball from the left onto the penalty spot picking out Ander Herrera. The ball appeared to come at him too quick as he couldn’t shape himself to hit the ball cleanly and ended up dragging his shot wide.

The majority of the second half was a physical battle of the midfield with lots of challenges going in and yellow cards being shown to both sets of players.

Crystal Palace wingers Wilfried Zaha and Yanick Bolasie caused United all sorts of problems with their pace and ability to beat players.

It was later in the second half that any real chances came for either team.

In the 72nd Minute, Ward hit a low cross into the United box with Yohan Cabaye the target. Only Cabaye was unable to connect, putting the ball wide of the post.

Three minutes later Crystal Palace had a trio of chances in the space of 20 seconds with the best chance falling to Scott Dann who once again rose the highest to get on the end of a corner but his header was fractionally over.

Manchester United weren’t ready to give up just yet as they searched for a winner. In the 81st minute, Wayne Rooney had a half chance with a shot from distance but it was always going over. And in the 89th minute Martial also had a volley blocked from close range.

It was Crystal Palace though who had the final attempt. In the 91st minute Bolasie got his head on the end of a corner but again the goal could not be found.

The home side will be disappointed not to have won that game but they would have still gone into the dressing room with the confidence thay they were the better team and had deserved three points.

Manchester United on the other hand will just be glad not to have lost after the defeat in midweek against Middlesbrough.

With 11 games now played, Manchester United remain in 4th. Arsenal and Manchester City increase their lead over United with victories over Norwich and Swansea.

What did you think of the game? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or you can visit The United Stand Fan Forum here to join the post match discussion.

You can also watch the Crystal Palace V Manchester United match reaction on The United Stand’s YouTube channel by clicking here. Or by watching below.